End to Euro rugby row in sight as clubs and unions close in on deal
EUROPEAN club rugby looks all but certain to remain on the calendar next season amid growing optimism that a deal to establish a successor to the Heineken Cup will be signed this week.
Officials representing clubs and the unions of the Six Nations met for further talks in Paris yesterday in an attempt to finalise contracts for two or possibly three new competitions.
It is understood that agreement on the major issues is in place and that an announcement before the weekend is a strong possibility, though the timetable is not inflexible.
The top-tier competition will consist of 20 teams – six each from the Premiership and Top 14, plus seven from the Pro12. The final spot would be decided by a play-off between seventh-placed English and French sides.
A breakthrough would be a major boost for England’s hopes at next year’s home Rugby World Cup, since it means Stuart Lancaster’s players will be exposed to regular elite-level club fixtures, and remove a huge uncertainty complicating the plans of clubs, notably in Wales.
It would also bring to a close a two-year power struggle over allocation of places and cash that has seemingly resulted in defeat for European Rugby Cup, organisers of the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup.
A new body is to be set up to run the competitions, which could include a third-tier cup for clubs from outside the English, French, Celtic and Italian leagues.
Talks between BT, which signed a deal for the broadcast rights to English clubs in Europe in 2012, and Sky, which had a deal with ERC, remain ongoing but industry insiders believe a compromise between the bitter rivals is likely.